More proof that the immigrants want to learn English, but often can't fit a class in. These men are fitting it in. DP
By SUZAN CLARKE, THE JOURNAL NEWS
NYJournalnews.com: A year ago, the village-based nonprofit program that provides aid to local day laborers resolved to enhance its activities so clients could be better prepared to live and work in America.
That plan has come to fruition.
Now, on any given day at the Jornaleros Project, housed at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, the men who come to the center for jobs also have the opportunity to attend free daily morning classes in basic English and computer literacy, weekly seminars on mental and physical health or other topics relevant to life in this country, and a monthly seminar on the law.
There had previously been some instruction or seminars, but the courses have been made a regular part of the program so the workers - most of whom are Hispanic immigrants, many in the country illegally - become more self-reliant.
Ricardo Saravia, the Jornaleros Project's program director, said the changes had been well-received.
Saravia said he felt good about the interest shown in the four weekly classes. The classes, taught by volunteers, started in the fall.
While the men's top priority remains the search for jobs, Saravia said they knew that if they didn't find daily work, they could come to the center and learn something useful.
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